NHTSA vehicle safety data

1998 Subaru Legacy Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1998 Subaru Legacy has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 114 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Subaru dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Subaru Legacy, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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1998 Subaru Legacy owner complaints

Owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Subaru Legacy, describing incidents dated August 1, 1997 to February 21, 2022.

Most-cited components

Engine 28 complaints
Power Train 14 complaints
Service Brakes 13 complaints
Air Bags 11 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 10 complaints
Electrical System 8 complaints

Of the 114 complaints on file, 17 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 114 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11458828 · Filed March 29, 2022
The contact owns a 1998 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a delayed failure in the braking system. The contact notified the local dealer regarding the failure and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V040000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) for…
ODI #11080757 · Filed March 21, 2018
THE WELD THAT ATTACHED THE FRONT RIGHT STRUT ASSEMBLY TO THE BODY COMPLETELY FAILED. THE WHEEL COLLAPSED INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I BEGINNING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING MORE THAN 3-4 MPH. FOR SOME MONTHS BEFORE THE WELD FAILED THERE WAS VIBRATION DURING BRAKING…
ODI #11004059 · Filed July 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SPONGY. THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE ORIGIN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC…

Read all 114 complaints

SUBARU/FRONT COIL SPRINGS

NHTSA #01V216000 · Suspension — Front — Springs — Coil Springs · NHTSA notice

Reported June 25, 2001 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 180,000 vehicles

Owners notified September 18, 2001 · Vehicles built January 25, 1994 – January 30, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE SALT, CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE SPRING.

Safety consequence

DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

SUBARU/ALTERNATOR

NHTSA #00I002000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported May 15, 2000 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 223,520 vehicles

Owners notified November 15, 2000 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ALTERNATOR PROBLEM THAT CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF CHARGING CAPABILITY.

Safety consequence

IF THE ALTERNATOR FAILS, THE ALTERNATOR WARNING TELLTALE WILL ALERT THE DRIVER TO THE PROBLEM, GIVING AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK REPAIR BEFORE A LOSS OF BATTERY POWER, WHICH, IF THE WARNING WERE IGNORED, COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER (ENGINE STALL).

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR WITH A MODIFIED ALTERNATOR. OWNERS WILL ALSO BE CAUTIONED THAT, SHOULD THE ALTERNATOR TELLTALE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATE, THEY MUST SEEK IMMEDIATE REPAIR TO AVOID THE EVENTUAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL.

Notes

SUBARU HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. THIS REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 15, 2000.OWNERS CAN CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

SUBARU/COLD WEATHER/ABS MASTER CYLINDER

NHTSA #99V040000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported March 3, 1999 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 221,987 vehicles

Subaru campaign WXQ-74 · Owners notified June 7, 1999 · Vehicles built April 11, 1997 – March 10, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). (THE 1999 2.2 LITER LEGACY VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED). IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE IS INCREASED.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

SUBARU/PUROLATOR OIL FILTERS

NHTSA #98V127000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported June 8, 1998 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 20,306 vehicles

Owners notified September 15, 1998 · Vehicles built January 21, 1998 – April 7, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, ALSO SERVICE PARTS SUPPLIED TO SUBARU DEALERS ARE INVOLVED (LOT NUMBERS F01 J21D2, F01 J30D2, F02 J09D1, F02 J09D2, AND F02 J20D1). THE PUROLATOR OIL FILTER CANS USED ON THESE VEHICLES CAN FRACTURE CAUSING A VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY AND SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAK.

Safety consequence

THIS VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY CAN RESULT IN OIL VAPOR IGNITION BY THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THESE ENGINE OIL FILTERS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 15, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

SUBARU/AUTO TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER

NHTSA #98V042000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported February 20, 1998 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 19,386 vehicles

Owners notified June 15, 1998 · Vehicles built May 9, 1997 – August 28, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. DUE TO POOR WELDS, IGNITION KEYS CAN STICK, SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES CAN BREAK AND SHIFT LEVERS CAN MOVE.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 15, 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

1998 Subaru Legacy 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 0

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

114 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Subaru Legacy.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11458828

Incident: February 21, 2022 · Filed: March 29, 2022

The contact owns a 1998 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a delayed failure in the braking system. The contact notified the local dealer regarding the failure and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V040000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) for which the vehicle was included. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 307,000.

Suspension

ODI #11080757

Incident: March 15, 2017 · Filed: March 21, 2018

THE WELD THAT ATTACHED THE FRONT RIGHT STRUT ASSEMBLY TO THE BODY COMPLETELY FAILED. THE WHEEL COLLAPSED INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I BEGINNING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING MORE THAN 3-4 MPH. FOR SOME MONTHS BEFORE THE WELD FAILED THERE WAS VIBRATION DURING BRAKING THAT WE COULD NOT DIAGNOSE. I ENDED UP REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, BRAKE CYLINDERS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE COLLAPSED WHEEL. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD THE PICTURE. I CAN SEND IT TO AN EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU WISH.

Wheels; Service Brakes

ODI #11004059

Incident: June 26, 2017 · Filed: July 10, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SPONGY. THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE ORIGIN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE DISCS, BRAKE ROTORS, AND IDLER ARMS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 08/24/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD GIVEN IT'S BRAKE CONDITION. UPDATED 08/25/2017*JS

Service Brakes

ODI #11001583

Incident: June 26, 2017 · Filed: June 27, 2017

JUNE 26 2017 I WENT TO HAVE MY FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACED, BECAUSE THEY FELT SPONGY AND DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND OUTER TIE RODS ON BOTH ENDS. ALL THESE PARTS WERE DANGEROUSLY WORN PREEXISTING CONDITIONS BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2016. THE BRAKE REPAIR WAS DONE AT: 424 WEST HENDERSON STREET, CLEBURNE, TEXAS 76033. 817 645 7848. ON JUNE 26, 2017 I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM BRAD DEERY HONDA IN IOWA USED, AS IS. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO HAVE NUMEROUS EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. THERE SHOULD BE LAWS TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM DEALERSHIPS THAT SELL VEHICLES THAT ARE UNSAFE AND FALLING APART, AND REFUSING TO HELP PAY REPAIR BILLS. USED VEHICLES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR HELP UNDER THE LEMON LAWS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING I CAN DO TO GET HELP WITH MY REPAIR BILLS ON MY VEHICLE FOR UNSAFE PREEXISTING MECHANICAL CONDITIONS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power Train

ODI #10965763

Fire

Incident: January 2, 2017 · Filed: March 13, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SMOKE AND THEN UNEXPECTEDLY FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,025. UPDATED 05/31/17*LJ *AS

Service Brakes

ODI #10483164

Incident: October 31, 2012 · Filed: November 2, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED DUE TO DEFECTIVE STEEL METAL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS FOR THE REAR AND FRONT, THE VEHICLE COULD BE SAFER. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY ONE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CORRODED REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATD12/14/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM THAT THERE ARE NO BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE WHEN A REA BRAKE LIKE BREAKS. UPDATED 12/17/2012 *JS

Air Bags

ODI #10449775

Crash 1 injury

Incident: February 3, 2012 · Filed: February 21, 2012

CPSC#I1220374A. 1998 LEGACY SUBARU. CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. *LN

Air Bags

ODI #10359674

Crash

Incident: October 1, 2010 · Filed: October 8, 2010

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A FIRE HYDRANT. THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE HYDRANT DID BREAK AWAY AS DESIGNED. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10344688

Incident: July 16, 2010 · Filed: July 22, 2010

FUEL (GASOLINE) FILLER NECK FOR THE 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON RUSTS OUT BECAUSE THE TUBE IS BEHIND A PLASTIC MOLDING THAT ACCUMULATES DIRT, SALT, WATER, AND ROTS THE TUBING CAUSING A CHRONIC LEAK OF GASOLINE POTENTIALLY OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. RECALL AND REPAIR IS NEEDED. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #10313562

Crash 2 injuries

Incident: March 4, 2009 · Filed: February 24, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED IT TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. TWO PASSENGERS WERE INJURED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Other Subaru Legacy model years

Check your 1998 Subaru Legacy VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Subaru Legacy at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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